Recommendations for a Work based Training &Practice Model (WTPM) for Sri Lankan Police Officers Conducting Child Forensic Investigations

Abstract

Child abuse is an immense problem creating profound distress within the children globally as well as locally. Therefore, carried out the as the first step in child forensic investigations; inarguably; child forensic interviewing is considered the most fundamental aspect pertaining to child maltreatment interventions. Thus, forensic interviews can be considered a highly specialized skill that warrants extensive training and research. Moreover, the importance of investigative officers requiring clear incentives, effective supervision and monitoring of performance within the workplace looms large. Hence, it is important to identify minimum, essential knowledge and skill requirements for child forensic investigative officers conducting interviews, in their varied backgrounds as well as capacities. Another challenge would be to identify cost-effective ways of keep them continuously equipped with information, skills and competencies based on recent developments. The present study explores the nature, content and duration of the current training programs available to investigative officers in the Children’s and Women’s Desks in Sri Lanka. After reviewing the strengths and limitations of the available training programs the paper offers recommendations and suggestions for an effective, culture sensitive, continuous Work-based Training Practice Model (WTPM) for optimum future training of the Sri Lankan investigative officers. It also provides recommendations for content, duration, provisions, mode, training of trainers, and resources of the WTPM. The paper also suggests that the training be offered under two tiers based on the prior educational qualifications of the investigative officers.